Goal For The Green

To set the record straight, the simplest answer is NO they do NOT bite. That is the case for our domestic ladybugs and lady beetles, most commonly found in North America.

However, the multi-colored Asian lady beetles DO bite. Their native habitat is northeast Asia.  However, the U.S Department of Agriculture, introduced the Asian lady beetle to California, back in 1916, to control aphids on pecan trees.  Shortly after this release years ago, they promptly disappeared.  Due to accidental transport, subsequent release, and natural migration, the Asian lady beetle is now found throughout the United States, along with more than 400 other species.

The Asian Lady beetle, is quite effective at controlling soft-bodied pests such as aphids, mites and scale, that are most commonly found in agricultural and domestic garden settings. The mature lady beetles, and their larvae consume hundreds of aphids and pests daily, thus earning their keep and proving their worth as a natural predator.

It is the Asian lady beetle, that is considered a nuisance. These are the ones who commonly invade our homes over the winter to hibernate, stain our cloths, and yes they can and do bite us!

In some cases of infestation, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to the multi-colored Asian lady beetle.  Prolonged exposure to such infestations has been reported to cause allergic reactions in some humans (Yarbrough et al 1999, mangnan et al. 2002).   Some patients have described itchy nose and eyes, sneezing, upper respiratory symptoms, and severe, or persistent asthma.  This is so unfair, to our beautiful non-biting domestic US ladybug.

The Asian lady beetle and the domestic ladybug appear to be identical. Yet, there is one important way to tell the difference. Looking down, from an above vantage point, on the section of the Asian beetle, that separates its tiny head from its winged area, there is a distinguishing mark, that looks much like the letter “M”.  Domestic ladybugs, do not have this characteristic.

If an Asian lady beetle lands on your skin, they are most likely there to explore for moisture or food. You may experience what feels like a bite, however, even most Asian lady beetles do not bite.  It is more of a nibble, that is felt, and they do not break the skin, like most other biting insects do.  They do however, have spurs on the back of their legs that can cause a poking, or pricking sensation, as they are scouting for a meal.

It is good to know that there is no known toxin or disease associated with this activity. If you are particularly sensitive, you may experience some minor pain or swelling associated with this “nibbling.”  So, if you do come upon being nibbled on, please don’t blame the innocent ladybug.  It’s after all, her look-alike, the Asian lady beetle!

See where the cutest ladybugs live!

Last week during a webinar (posted here),  Robert Watson shared the results of the 2009 Green Building Impact Report.  Watson is the Editor of GreenBuildings.com and the ” Father of LEED,” ( Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

At the conference, Johnson Diversey CEO and President, Ed Lonergan, announced that their company has tripled their WWF Climate Savers commitment of an 8% absolute GHG (green house gas) emissions reduction, to a 25% reduction target for the same time period (by 2013). The company announced it will invest $12 million to achieve the changes, and anticipates operational savings of $32 million, demonstrating that sustainability is the right approach for both the environment and the bottom line.  Lonergan emphasized the company’s integrated bottom line- clarifying that Johnson Diversey sees no separation between People, Planet, and Profit.

In the last year, Johnson Diversey has shown, the evolution of the triple bottom line, or old way of thinking.  In the old way of thinking, in regards to business, People were the human impact, The Planet, was the environmental impact, and Profit was a companies financial profit.  Now, the shift is to an integrated bottom line, that combines both growth and cost savings, achieved by reduced operational costs.

Ed Lonergan states that, ” We’ve found addressing climate change, is not only good for the environment, but it also makes really good business sense. And, I think when that happens, the world changes.”

We cannot rely upon government alone, to make the changes we need to save our planet. Voluntary commitments by major corporations such as Johnson Diversey, show us that the private sector and individuals can make a big difference.  So, I am inviting you to triple your commitment to the environment.  If a multinational corporation operating in 175 countries can do it, so can we, your average everyday people!

At this link,  you can take action now on climate change, as well as view a flash video player of the Building a Sustainable Future Webinar, access both the 2008 and 2009 LEED Green Building Impact Reports, and much more.

Now, we can all do our part on working toward a better tomorrow, and a “green” future.  “Let the clean economy begin.”

See where the cutest ladybugs live!

Just to let you know, On Thursday, November 5th at 12:30 EST, you are invited to a free sneak-preview Webinar, hosted by Robert Watson, GreenerBuildings.com Editor, and “Father of LEED.” It’s called “Building a Sustainable Future: Progress and Trends Toward Improving the Environmental Footprint of Commercial Buildings.”

In case you didn’t know, LEED means, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.  It is the Green Building rating system.

The webinar starts at 12:30 pm EST. Here’s the Registration link

During this 60 minute webinar, Robert Watson will present the findings of the soon to be released, 2009 Green Building Market and Impact Report that was sponsored by Johnson Diversey. This report is an integrated assessment of the land, water, energy, material and indoor environmental impacts of the LEED for New Construction (LEED NC), Core & Shell (LEED CS) and Existing Building (LEED EB) standards.

All registrants will have access to a download of the report.

Johnson Diversey President & CEO Ed Lonergan, opens the webinar by highlighting the importance of sustainability in today’s business environment.  He is offering insights and examples, of the company’s work toward improving the sustainability of its customers’ facilities, as well as its own. This presentation will detail Johnson Diversey’s own focus on LEED certification for many of its facilities worldwide.

In these fast-changing times, and with the ever changing economy, it is imperative, that  we have measurement around whether green building choices provide a very high return on investment, and a significant decrease in environmental impact.

I hope you can help in spread the word about this event. Tell anyone  you think would be interested in learning more about green commercial buildings, and corporate sustainability.

Go here to register for the Green Building Webinar.

Sure, hope you can attend.  They are working toward a better and greener tomorrow for us all!